Request medical records

Cook Children's keeps a record of each lab, x-ray, medical center, or specialty clinic visit.

The privacy of this information is protected by federal and state regulations. This means your medical information is only available to the Cook Children's healthcare professionals caring for you or your child. Everyone else must get special permission (called authorization) before the information can be released.

Who must authorize release of information

Parents or legal guardians (without court imposed restrictions) may obtain and/or authorize the release of protected health information from their child's medical record from Cook Children's. Individuals over the age of 18 must authorize the release of their own information.

How to get authorization

To request a copy or have a copy of the medical record sent to another party, call Cook Children's Release of Information Department in the main medical center building at 682-885-1012 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will be happy to mail or fax you a form. You may also get a form from your Specialty Clinic or download it here in English or Spanish.

Written authorization, what to do

Provide all requested information.

Be very specific about the information you need to have released. Write down dates, types of visits, and what parts of the record you need.

For x-ray films/images, please state on the form that you need x-ray films/images.